The symbolic theory of drama and theatrical conceptions at the beginning of the 20th century: from mystery to low farce

The present article is devoted to establishment of theatre and drama theory in symbolism. It investigates various conceptions of the theatre - of the symbolists and theatrical directors close to symbolism - from Soborny theatre of Vyacheslav Ivanov to aesthetics «theatre of the single will» of Fyodor Sologub and «theatre for oneself» of Nikolay Evreinov. The undertaken research investigates dynamics of symbolic views on theatre and drama from the beginning to the end of the 1900s; the author comes to the conclusion that theurgy purpose of the rite is substituted by aesthetic purpose of the game, show, acting, low farce.